Words from the Acting President:

As the Limited English Proficiency, or LEP, population continues to expand in Connecticut, it becomes more and more necessary to depend upon interpreters to bridge the language gap in the ongoing effort to eliminate existing health disparities.

The Medical Interpreting Association of Connecticut (MIAC) is committed to the promotion of linguistic and cultural services for LEP patients, families and for healthcare providers, with the intention of advancing access to healthcare that is respectful, informed and equitable.

Crucial to our mission is raising awareness of the importance of interpreting services, creating and enhancing the skills of medical interpreters, and creating an understanding on the part of healthcare providers as to the ultimate benefits - to both their patients and their profession - of having access to trained interpreters. It is also the mission of MIAC to provide necessary education as to the proper utilization of interpreting services and be an ongoing resource for the healthcare community.

It is the intention of MIAC to take an action-oriented approach to the fulfillment of this mission, one that is based upon a collaboration with all involved. We believe that such an effort necessitates a close working relationship among interpreters, healthcare providers, healthcare organizations and community leaders and all groups with an interest and/or involvement in the delivery of healthcare services, including both profit and non-profit organizations.

Of further importance is the need for transparency and objective monitoring as our organization and mission evolves. MIAC is committed to a process of ongoing discussion and being open to critical feedback regarding the many direct and peripheral issues related to the promotion of linguistic and culturally competent healthcare services. Our dedication to addressing the needs of Connecticut's LEP population requires that our doors as well as our minds remain open to all who share in this quest for a fully accessible and equitable healthcare system.

For the Medical Interpreters Association of Connecticut, I believe that our vision and commitment will afford us the best opportunity for success with the many challenges ahead. We look forward to working together in the fulfillment of our mission.

Nadesha Mijoba